Home / War and Conflict / West Township Honors Fallen with Civil War Echoes
West Township Honors Fallen with Civil War Echoes
13 Jun
Summary
- Civil War era speaker Benton Speakman shared soldier's perspective.
- Two WWII veterans died in January 2026, aged 104 and 100.
- Restoration efforts continue for Moultrie Chapel and cemeteries.
Approximately 200 individuals gathered at Moultrie Chapel for West Township's Memorial Day service. The event commenced with a salute to fallen soldiers and a rendition of taps. A unique element of the service featured Ken Bandy portraying Benton Speakman, a Civil War soldier who perished in Tennessee. Speakman's letters provided a firsthand account of a soldier's life and sacrifice.
This year marked a poignant first, as no World War II veterans were present. This follows the passing of Harriet Miller Jones and Bill Pilati in January 2026, both centenarians and yearly attendees. The West Township Memorial Association, responsible for organizing the annual service, also spearheads ongoing restoration efforts for Moultrie Chapel and five township cemeteries.
